COMMUNITY
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IN THIS ISSU e
DR. DAVID WATSON HEAD OF SCHOOL
LETTER FROM THE HEaD OF SCHOOL
DEAR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES,
As I write these words, we are just about to turn the corner onto one of the happiest and busiest periods of the school year. It is May 2023 and the long anticipated season of Advanced Placement and other semester examinations, concerts, prize-givings, graduations and other wonderful end-of-year events is upon us. The weather is starting to get hot and students are purposefully engaged in a myriad of different endeavors.
However, this school year has been a complex one for many here at CSN. Re-emerging from the COVID period now seems a distant memory. Many of us were hoping for a return to calmer waters when the current school year began. September 28, 2022 and the arrival of Hurricane Ian changed all that for many in our part of the world. Not so much the campus itself (Hurricane Irma in September 2017 did far more damage to our campus than Ian did), but many of our families in the CSN community suffered considerable loss. Some of you, I realize, are still dealing with aspects of the aftermath, even now.
In comparison with the hurricane, the travails of the school accreditation process with the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) pale in insignificance. Nonetheless it was so gratifying to all of us when FCIS delivered to our school such an outstanding report, earlier this year. Community School of Naples is a standard bearer for quality independent education in SWFL and in the State of Florida as a whole. Our enrollment shows that. Our achievements in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage, in our laboratories and the wider contribution of our students within Collier County all bear witness to this. An achievement of which we can all be proud.
Indeed, this has been our recruitment philosophy at CSN for some years now. If you are the best in town in your field (be it classroom professional, sports coach, business
office professional, tradesman, gardener, chef or whichever field of endeavor you work in); if you are the best, we need you to come and work at Community School of Naples. This is the professional landing place for the best in the business. We pride ourselves on excellence in service to our students and families. We are all part of the successful delivery of that promise. Every student. Every day.
At this time every year, I look back with such admiration of our teachers and students. Together they have spent the past year taking part in (and winning) sporting events, acting in multiple theater productions, playing in orchestra and band concerts, making us all proud with a range of achievements from gaining a place at university to learning to spell. The laughter and tears, the pride and frequent joy of the school year at CSN. All of life is here. And we would have it no other way.
For next year we look forward to the completion and publication of our next Strategic Plan, which will cover the period 2024 – 28. The Board of Trustees and my colleagues on the Senior Leadership Team will be putting the finishing touches to the plan in the fall and it will be with you all by December.
I wish all CSN families a relaxing summer break. Make lots of happy memories with your children. August and the new school year are just around the corner.
Welcome to the Spring 2023 edition of The Chronicle.
Kind regards,
Dr. David Watson Head of School
THE POWER OF ONE
ONE SEeD, ONE IDEa: IMPACTING MANY LIVES
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Four decades ago, an idea, like a small seed, was planted when our founders envisioned an exemplary college prep school in the center of Naples, Florida. Just as gardeners water and care for a sapling, our founders, leaders, faculty, and families nourished our school community with their love, passion, and generous spirit.
The trees that shade our grove area, planted in 1984, perfectly illustrate the growth of our school. Although their own children never reaped the benefits from the shade, our founding families remained steadfast to their commitment, nurturing both the trees, culture, and educational excellence they planted. We are the grateful beneficiaries of the work that so many did to grow CSN over the past 40 years. Our school sprouted from a tiny seed to a majestic tree, providing shade and bearing beautiful fruit that, in turn, produced more seeds. This truly demonstrates the Power of One that we are committed to radiating today.
The dedication and commitment of our founders cultivated a foundation that now frames our mission, vision, and core values. Today, it is our turn to lean into the word “community” as we collaboratively and collectively preserve the past and become the next generation of gardeners committed to nurturing the place where trees grow and our children thrive–Community School of Naples.
SUPPORTING CORE VALUES THROUGH WELLNESS
Leaning on our core values, we are committed to nurturing an environment that promotes the well-being and success of our students– offering them opportunities to live, learn, lead, and serve well. We are prioritizing overall well-being as we empower our students to achieve their highest potential academically and personally.
This year, the CSN Fitness Center became an epicenter of physical wellness through strength and conditioning programs, breathing and nutrition workshops,and peak performance coaching opportunities. We were able to support health and wellness and seamlessly provide tools, skills and strategies to students by integrating instruction into their school days.
In an era where success is often narrowly defined by academic achievement, CSN is dedicated to providing opportunities and experiences where learning is relevant, intellectual curiosity is encouraged, and the pursuit of passion and peak performance in the classroom and beyond is encouraged.
CSN’s comprehensive wellness initiative plays a vital role in supporting our mission of academic excellence. We understand the crucial link between physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental health and academic performance.
THE FUTURE IMPACT
FEEDBACK
STUDENT
I’m trying to decide at the last minute where I’m going to college and it’s very stressful–and I have a lot of anxiety about it so taking time to breathe during the workshop and relax really helped me.
Evan (Grade 12)
The biggest thing was learning about the capabilities of your body. When you guys went down and back I didn’t think I could do it. At first, I couldn’t even go a quarter of that, and by the end, I was doing it with weights and getting myself across the whole length of the pool without taking a second breath.
Jacob (Grade 12)
I learned how to breathe better and knowing how you can use it in sports. Before I would get really gassed and was barely able to recover. Being able to learn how to breathe to optimize your performance is huge.
Austin (Grade11)
It was really relaxing. It was crazy to see the improvement from what happened at the beginning. I was breathing really fast and my heart rate was up, but by the end, I was really relaxed and able to go to full length of the pool.
Dylan (Grade 9)
I’ve never done anything like this. It really gets you in a tranquil place in your mind. I’ll use this in football and track. The recovery breath is super helpful. This really helps you get to a point in your mind that you’re really peaceful and calm.
Darius (Grade 11)
I really liked it. This kind of exercise made me feel nice and calm. The pool workout was really nice, too.
James (Grade 11)
I really like the pool workout. It was great intensity and I really had to push myself. I liked where it was able to lead me in the meditation. I’m usually a really tense person, so it made me realize that I could relax and let everything go.
Tariq (Grade 11)
ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS:
As stewards of the planet, we recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and responsibility. Our comprehensive wellness initiative includes eco-friendly practices throughout our campus.
We have implemented an Environmental Stewardship committee to promote recycling programs, conservation, preservation and gardening on campus. With plans to further develop both curricular and extracurricular opportunities, the goals of this committee include instilling a sense of environmental awareness, encouraging responsible behavior, and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world in our community.
FEEDBACK
PARENT
Thank you for making the wellness breathing class open to parents. I am very glad I attended and now feel equipped with tools to help navigate the rough waters of today’s world. Most importantly, I feel that I can empower my children to master these skills to help them over a lifetime.
Kathy
Thank you so much for sending this and thinking of me! I LOVED the breathing wellness workshop and cannot wait for the nutrition one.
I greatly appreciate what the school is doing for the kids. Giving parents access to what the kids are learning further sets up the kids for better retention and reinforcement at home.
Shanna
I am such a believer in constantly learning and challenging ourselves for long term benefits. I can not express to you enough how grateful I am that CSN is taking such an active role in educating our children and providing them with important life skills and tools.
Kristie
It was a pleasure to attend such an informative workshop. I realized I have much more to learn!
Usman
We had a great time at the workshop and are looking forward to doing it with our children.
Rob and Heather
The breathing class was amazing. I feel like my blood pressure dropped 50 points and I’m so relaxed. Amazing. I love the wellness program that has been implemented at school.
Janet
RETREATS IMPACTING SCHOOL CULTURE
Respect, courage, and kindness are not just words; they are virtues that shape a person’s character. By teaching and practicing these values, we create an environment that is conducive to learning and growth.
In today’s fast-paced world, where students are under constant pressure to excel academically and socially, it is essential to create an environment that fosters positive growth and development. Over the past decades, CSN has continually nurtured the values upon which our school was founded by investing in retreats that focus on building respect, courage, and kindness. These retreats have proven to have a positive impact on students, both academically and personally.
During the Kindness Retreat, 4th grade students were encouraged to value the opinions, ideas, and differences of others. With guidance from sophomore leaders, they learned that empathy, tolerance, and understanding can help create a positive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Courage was the focus of the Grade 7 retreat. During this full day retreat, our students learned that demonstrating courage can mean getting comfortable being uncomfortable. The day was spent with junior leaders developing tools to help 7th grade students navigate challenging situations, overcome fears, and build resilience both inside and outside the classroom.
The 9th grade students participated in a retreat with senior leaders centered on respect. As students developed a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers, they learned to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and develop a sense of belonging.
The impact of these retreats goes beyond the school environment. As students practice respect, courage, and kindness, they take these values with them into their communities and future careers. They become more socially aware and responsible citizens who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.
IMPACTING OTHERS IN POSITIVE WAYS
When Katherine and Jason Cunningham evacuated their home the night before Hurricane Ian hit Naples, they had no idea when they left that they would never be able to return. At the time, the storm was not forecasted to make a direct hit in Naples, and they were thinking they would be home within a few days. As the storm hit, they still had Internet, so they watched the sea water enter their home through the home security cameras before the server was destroyed and they lost Internet connection. A few hours into the storm, they received a photo from their next-door neighbor showing the water about 5 feet high inside their home. They realized at that moment that they would not be able to return to their home anytime soon, and it quickly became apparent that it was beyond repair, along with their furniture and nearly all their other belongings.
They were still in a state of shock when they received the first phone call from fellow CSN parent, Kristen Hasteotes. They had never met before, and their children were in different activities, but they later learned that Grace had posted on Snapchat during the storm to ask if anyone had a rental home available for their family, including 4 people and a large Labrador retriever. Kristen’s son, George shared their request with his mom, and they immediately reached out with an incredible offer.
They had entered a mad scramble for rental housing, along with thousands of others in the same situation, looking for a place to live after becoming suddenly and unexpectedly homeless. They were so overwhelmed that they had a hard time responding to her incredibly generous offer through the tears. They had never even met, and there she was offering an extraordinary kindness to them, to stay in their home for as long as they needed. It was a gift almost beyond comprehension from people they did not know,
When they first met Kristen, she greeted them with a hug before they even had a chance to say their names. The impact of Hurricane Ian propelled George and friends, Jack Phelan, Max Varga, and Cale Austin, to immediately jump into action to clean and furnish the home which they were temporarily calling home, too as they had also been displaced from their primary home. In the midst of all the chaos, Allison Craig –another generous CSN family was called to find furniture to help them get settled in their new home. The kindness and generosity of Kristen and George and his friends will likely have a lasting impact on these CSN families for years to come!
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4TH GRADE CREW
Our fourth-grade students attended a field trip to CREW Marsh Trails. This field trip was a follow-up to the FGCU’s Wings of Hope Panther Posse field trip that the students participated in the Fall. CREW is a 60,000-acre watershed in Lee and Collier counties, which is the largest undisturbed watershed in Southwest Florida. Students experienced a hiking adventure where they became one with nature. The students learned about plants and animals that are native to Florida. In addition, students made connections to what they learned in science class throughout the year.
THEATERZONE
FEATURES CSN STUDENTS
CSN Director of Theater and TheatreZone's Artistic Director, Mark Danni employed 5 current students and alumni in TheatreZone’s production of The Goodbye Girl. Pictured here is Yutong Yu (’23), spotlight operator, Kylie Gust (’27) playing the role of Lucy, KC Allen (’23), Assistant Stage Manager, American Idol star, Paige Miles (’04) playing the role of Mrs. Crosby, Jeremy Goodman (’07) orchestrator and CSN & TZ choreographer Karen Molnar Danni. TheatreZone is a professional Equity theatre company in residence at CSN and has been employing and training CSN students and alumni since 2006.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Byintegrating our core values into all aspects of our comprehensive wellness initiative, we provide our students with opportunities to develop their character and leadership skills. Through service-learning projects and community engagement, students learn the importance of giving back and become well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact on society.
CSN INAUGURAL FAMILY FUN RUN
As part of the schools ongoing wellness efforts, many families and community partners gathered on the CSN track to participate in the first annual Family Fitness 5k Fun Run. Over 130 brave runners of all ages got out to run around our beautiful campus, all while raising money for a good cause. As a final push to cap off our Hurricane Ian relief efforts, donors and race participants raised several thousand dollars to split between our chosen local non-profits of Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Health Clinic, and St. Matthew’s House. The event had a 5k option and a fun children’s 1k option, along with yoga and mobility sessions to ease those tired muscles. It was great to see so many people come out for a wonderful cause.
Students in Ms. Preston’s “Got You Covered” MS elective practiced citizenship by donating 38 fleece blankets made in class to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children.
MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION
Forthe first time in 7 years, Community School of Naples advanced to the final round of the Collier County Mock Trial Competition in only its second year since returning to the competition in 2022. CSN earned second place, beating Seacrest, Barron Collier, Gulf Coast, and Palmetto Ridge.
Not only did CSN win second place, but Hadley Murphey ’25 also won the Best Prosecution Attorney award among all the Collier students who competed. Alexander Weddell ’24 won the Best Prosecution Witness award. Amaya Etcheverry ’24 won the Most Valuable Player award. Furthermore, the team won the Honorable Christine Greider Award for Outstanding Professionalism in Advocacy.
The following students performed in the competition. Prosecution attorneys included: Amaya Etcheverry ’24, Hadley Murphey ’25, Olivia Piri ’24. Prosecution witnesses included: Peter Barakett ’23, Zachary Dahlquist ’24, and Alexander Weddell ’24. Defense attorneys included: Jonah Findlay McDougall ’23,
Howard Gleason ’25, and Julianna Pedone ’25. Defense witnesses included: Asher Carriero ’24, Sadie Lipman ’25, and Mimi Goldberg ’26.
The attorney coaches are CSN alumni and brothers Logan Stewart ’11 and Skylar Stewart ’08. Logan works as an attorney in Naples, and Skylar works as an attorney in Tampa.
This year, the team will be saying goodbye to seniors Jonah Findlay McDougall ’23 (the team president) and Peter Barakett ’23. Olivia Piri ’24 will be taking over as team President. Amaya Etcheverry ’24 will be assuming the leadership role of Vice President and Head Attorney, and Sadie Lipman ’25 will be assuming the role of Vice President and Head Witness.
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS:
MIDDLE SCHOOL PI DAY 2023
Matteo Dal Lago (2028) continued his reign as Middle School champion of Pi by accurately memorizing and reciting 273 digits of Pi in advance of this year’s Middle School Pi Day celebration! Matteo, already registered with the Pi World Ranking List, is among the best in the world at reciting Pi. Last year, he broke the CSN record by accurately reciting, from memory, 891 digits of Pi! John Fontana (2029) and Sienna Hartman (2027) will soon join Matteo on the World Ranking List with 226 and 184 digits, respectively.
Dozens of Upper and Middle School students volunteered to learn different stations in the weeks preceding the event and to run their station during the celebration.
Soap spheres (bubbles) covered the Middle School, and students experienced Ghost Bubbles created with dry ice at a station run by Mr. Toth and Upper School student Lucan Keyser (2023).
A Math teacher traditionally takes a pie to the face from the Middle School Pi champion. This year, Mr. Colby resumed this role at assembly.
Twenty-five other Middle School math students won a pie by reciting from memory ≥ 25 digits of Pi. Our Middle School Pi Day theme was “A celebration of circles, spheres, and the most famous irrational number Pi.” The celebration included learning stations, competitions, and experiences.
Six of our amazing Middle School Mathletes ran a Buffon’s Needle station. Bamboo skewers were dropped onto evenly spaced lines to replicate Georges-Louis Leclerc’s experiment to estimate Pi. A computer program, coded by Nicholas Acquaro (2029), was used to tabulate data for this experiment. After thirteen trials, our estimate for Pi was 3.4.
A writing challenge was added to this year’s Pi Day celebration. Students were challenged to write an extremely short story. Their 26-word story begins with a three-letter word followed by twenty-five words each of length corresponding to the digits after the decimal representation of Pi. First place was won by Abigail Kalb (2029): “Eat a roll, I would. Flapjacks or cereal? Would you enjoy pancakes, blueberry waffles, raspberry pie, or egg souffles? What things go better with our day?”
Upper School students Megan D’Souza (2025) and Melita D’Souza (2025) judged a Pi themed cupcake contest. Tess Valenta (2027) won first place with cupcakes that looked like they were decorated in a professional bakery! Second place was won by Lizzie Howard (2027), and third place was won by Luke Mitchell (2028).
TRAVEL
Babcock Eco Tours
Harvard Model Congress to San Fran
Twenty-nine CSN students traveled to San Francisco to participate in the 22nd Annual Harvard Model Congress, a national student-led conference of 20 di erent schools and 320 students from around the world.
e students were assigned the role of current U.S. o cials from both sides of the aisle. Some served as CIA specialists, others as Supreme Court justices. ey debated cyber-security and international diplomatic issues like the crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. ey wrote bills, lobbied other representatives for support, and brought bills before the whole House and Senate for debate and passage into law.
Senior Claudia Langiulli, representing Josh Hawley (Missouri-R), found the parliamentary procedure fascinating: “We passed a bill on nancial literacy in the House, but it did not pass the Senate. e process shows how complicated lawmaking can be.”
“San Francisco gives the students a sense of a true international culture,” said Mrs. Beare, chaperone and Chinese teacher. “Not only do they learn American policy issues, but visiting Chinatown made the trip almost an international experience.”
Ms. Herting, Mr. omas, and Mrs. Beare chaperoned the trip, and made it their goal to have the students experience as much big-city culture as possible. Many of the students took the a ernoon on Saturday to watch the 49ers play the Seahawks in the NFC Wildcard game: “Culture happens at many levels,” Mr. omas said. “In the airport, at the conference, in the streets, and at the game, our kids are great ambassadors for our school.” " ese trips embody everything we represent at CSN," said Mrs. Herting. “In one weekend, all we teach in social sciences comes to life.”
Florida State Thespians Festival
Our talented CSN espian Troupe competed in the Florida State espians Festival in Tampa. Sophomores Tucker Claremont and Emma Gladstein earned Superior ratings and Top Honors (perfect scores) with their monologues. Sophomores Julianna Pedone earned a Superior rating for her monologue and Hadley Murphey a Superior for her Solo Musical. Our ensemble (Hadley Murphey, Tucker Claremont, Samantha Calleja ‘26, Emerson Greenwald ‘26, Sophia Yurko ‘26, Ana Vlad ‘25) earned an Excellent rating for their Small Group Musical, and freshmen Lucca LaTerra and Daniel Panek earned an Excellent rating for their Duet Acting.
e troupe took in awesome workshops, met and sang for their Broadway idols, and saw an amazing musical, e Prom. Bravo Troupe 5433!
CSN’s AP Environmental Science class went on a wide-ranging eld trip starting o at the Babcock Ranch Eco Tours. e students saw four di erent ecosystems. ey met the Florida Cracker Cow and a host of other ranch residents, both native and non-native. A er the tour, they visited Babcock Ranch, " e Town of the Future," where students learned about intentional sustainable design at both the community and home levels. On the way back to school, they stopped by Produce 51, a small agricultural facility that survives on U-pick, a small petting zoo, and delivering produce for farm to table facilities. It was a great day of experiential learning... and just plain fun!
Holocaust Museum
Seventh grade students traveled to the Naples Holocaust Museum in February. Students were given a museum tour and listened to a survivor presentation which complemented the start of the Holocaust unit in 7th grade English, which includes reading Anne Frank: e Diary of a Young Girl.
Model UN to New York City
CSN Upper School students traveled to New York City to participate in the National High School Model United Nations, an event attended by 4,000 students from across the United States and the world. Our students visited the U.N., sitting in the hallowed halls of the General Assembly, listening to international diplomats and student activists discuss the complications and hopes involved in negotiating and diplomacy. Serving as delegates of Morocco and Chad, the CSN students researched, wrote, and debated an array of topics, from international disarmament to the indigenous rights of women in the Amazon. e rigorous work opened their eyes to the world around them.
Zachary Dahlquist ‘24 and Sadie Lipman ‘25 earned the Award of Merit, which recognizes “meritorious skill in debate and diplomacy.” eir work on the UN Convention Against Corruption, Zachary said, “created skills related to communicating for international diplomacy.” Delegate Jack Preston ‘25 worked on the UN Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and Ali Lagergren ‘23 researched and debated di erent strategies to educate indigenous women. Ava Sparacio ‘25 was assigned to DISEC (U.N. Disarmament and International Security). e students capped o the weekend with a Broadway show (Wicked) and a New Jersey Devils hockey game. Ms. Herting noted, “Students learn how to be global and local citizens all at once.”
St. Augustine
is semester 4th grade students embarked on an experiential eld trip to St. Augustine as part of the social studies curriculum. ey visited Kennedy Space Center, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Kingsley Plantation, Fort Mose Historic State Park, Fountain of Youth, and the Oldest House Museum.
Spanish Conferencia
e Spanish Conferencia team earned outstanding results at the 2023 Florida State Spanish Conference held in Orlando. Collectively, they earned 2nd place in their division and, individually, all 16 members earned one of the two top awards in the Impromptu category. All team members competed at the AP Language and AP Literature level, which are the most di cult levels in the entire competition. ey had the most challenging topics and certainly rose to the occasion. Congratulations Spanish Conferencia team!
Little Havana
e Spanish 3 Honors Class embarked on a captivating journey through Miami's vibrant Little Havana neighborhood for a Cultural and Culinary Tour. ey immersed themselves in Cuba's rich heritage and avors as they explored this bustling community's heart and soul. e tour started with a warm welcome from a knowledgeable local Cuban guide, who provided fascinating insights into the history, traditions, and cultural signi cance of Little Havana. en, as they strolled along the lively streets, the students were surrounded by colorful murals, rhythmic Latin music, and freshly brewed Cuban co ee aroma.
One of the tour highlights was visiting the iconic Domino Park, where elderly Cubans gather to play dominoes, a cherished pastime in their homeland. e students witnessed the friendly banter and skilled gameplay as they learned about the game's signi cance within the community. Next, students delved into the culinary delights of Little Havana. e guide lead them to authentic Cuban eateries, where they had the opportunity to sample an array of mouthwatering dishes, savoring the avors of classic Cuban cuisine such as empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and pastelitos de guayaba. e students also enjoyed a refreshing, nonalcoholic mojito or a strong cup of Cuban co ee. roughout the tour, students had the chance to interact with local artisans and merchants, learning about their cra s and the stories behind their unique creations, from handmade cigars to vibrant artwork.
From this day trip, the students gained a deeper understanding of the Cuban diaspora, the struggles and triumphs of the community, and the immense cultural contributions these people have made to Miami. is language and cultural immersion opportunity was an unforgettable experience that le our students with a newfound appreciation for Hispanic culture.
Williamsburg, VA
is May marked the return of that perennial rite of passage, the 5th grade eld trip to Williamsburg. e trip included visits to the Yorktown Battle eld where our students were able to explore the famous Redoubts #9 and #10. Located in Virginia, this hallowed ground witnessed the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War, where George Washington's Continental Army, supported by French allies, achieved a monumental victory over the British forces. Students also enjoyed a full day of exploring the grounds at Williamsburg, the former capital of the Virginia colony. ey witnessed a meeting of the House of Burgesses, the rst representative governing body in the New World. No visit to Williamsburg would be complete without a visit from a Founding Father and we were lucky to have met with General George Washington. On our last day, we visited the rst successful English colony, Jamestown, followed by a visit to the Revolutionary War Museum at Yorktown. e trip was a great success and a wonderful culminating experience for our 5th graders.
Washington, DC: A Student’s Perspective
e most powerful and moving memorial to me in Washington D.C. was the Vietnam Memorial. is memorial was built to honor the 58,000+ American soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. As I walked along the wall, the names etched in granite seemed to stretch on forever, a reminder of the scale of the loss su ered by the nation during this troubling period of its history.
For me, the design is what makes the Vietnam Memorial so impactful. e wall is a metaphor for the emotional and physical scars le by the war. Visitors to the memorial leave o erings and mementos at the foot of the wall, a tribute to the ongoing respect that the nation holds for its fallen soldiers. e black stone is put there so when you see yourself re ecting on the names, it would bring you to tears.
e Vietnam Memorial is, to me, a solemn experience. It is a place of remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects and honor the sacri ces made by those who fought and died in the war. e memorial serves as a reminder of the costs of war and the importance of cherishing the memories of those who made the ultimate sacri ce.
e Vietnam Memorial is a powerful symbol of the sacri ces made by American soldiers and their families. It a ected me personally during our visit because my Great Uncle Bob was severely injured ghting in this war. Uncle Bob had to be dragged by his buddies through the jungle a er being shot to a helicopter for evacuation. He was hospitalized for nine months but the impact lasted his entire life as he su ered from PTSD. He visited my family and showed me pictures of him training at Fort Benning to be a Paratrooper and also shared pictures of his platoon in Vietnam. He told me that many of his army buddies died and that although he was injured, he was the lucky one to have made it home. I was only ve years old and too young to appreciate his stories then. When he died in 2016, he le me his Purple Heart. My memories of him and of his stories came alive as I visited this site and realized that the names of his buddies were listed on this wall.
Written by Chase, Class of 2027
Seahawk Baseball Visits ItalY
Over Spring Break in early April, the Community School of Naples Varsity baseball team traveled to Italy to play baseball against local Italian clubs and learn about Italian culture, both ancient and current. is was all thanks to the collaborative e ort of the CSN baseball coaches and the Italian American Baseball Foundation. Surprisingly to most Americans, Italy enjoys a strong baseball history. As locals watched American GIs play the game during their free time following WWII the game caught on and soon Italians were playing the game. ough Nettuno claims to be the birthplace of Italian baseball, the Milanese also claim title to this distinction and a rivalry has existed ever since. CSN Assistant Baseball Coach Mark Cardillo played professional baseball in Italy for several years, and it was his enthusiasm to connect the youth of these two countries through the international language of sport that served as a catalyst for this trip.
Following nearly a year of advance planning and scheduling, the team arrived in Rome on Saturday a ernoon. ere they were met by their trip guide Luca and bus driver Gianni who remained with the team the entire time. Together they provided colorful commentary and insight along the way. Following a tiring rst day ight and baggage recovery (the team’s bats did not arrive until a few days a er) they traveled to their hotel just south of the city in Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. e next morning, the team headed further south to Nettuno to learn about the Allied invasion of Italy during WWII that occurred there and in neighboring Anzio. ey visited the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno for a moving experience, and then played a baseball game against the local team. at night, the CSN team went into Rome and toured some of the famous sights, including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. e following morning, the team arrived in Florence via bus and took in sweeping views of the city from the Piazzale Michelangelo. Continuing from the Duomo the team was met by a local guide who provided insight to the Renaissance and the in uence of the Medici family. Here they saw Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, strolled along the banks of the Arno River, and toured the other major sights of Florence.
e next day, the boys visited parmesan cheese and prosciutto factories in Parma. Later that evening, the team played their second game against Crocetta Baseball Club and enjoyed dinner with local players hosted by the Club a er the game. e next day, now in Venice, the boys had the opportunity to view a glass-blowing demonstration in the famous Murano glass art studio, visit St. Mark’s Square, enjoy the highlights from a local guide, and take a gondola ride through the canals. A er spending the night in neighboring Padua, the team then drove to their nal destination, Milan, by way of Verona where they took in the world famous Piazza Brà and the fabled balcony from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette. In Milan the team played their third game at John F. Kennedy Stadium against local baseball club Milano 1946 and enjoyed another meal at the ballpark before ying home the next day.
roughout the trip, the CSN boys formed relationships with local players and got to experience sport as a way to bridge the divide between cultures. Several exchanged team hats as a token of the experience and many collected social media contact information. As CSN’s mission is based on the education of responsible global citizens, trips abroad to become familiar with di erent cultures and form new relationships are pivotal to the values of the school and future generations. is trip would not have been possible without the generosity of members of the CSN community who contributed signi cantly to CSN’s Annual Fund for Excellence and the Italian American Baseball Foundation. In seven fast paced days these students had the opportunity to visit many places and sample the kind of experiences they can look forward to around the world in the future. ough the trip was fast and furious, successful memories made will remain with team for a lifetime.
CSN Robotics
CSN Robot 94G (seniors Noah Cartwright, Jonah Findlay, Lucan Keyser and Sammy Sissman) and Robot 94W (juniors Landon Burchill, David Galotto, and Megan Headrick) were invited to enter Japan's VEX Regional Championship Event hosted at e American School in Tokyo, Japan from January 12-15.
Of the 22 robots, CSN allied with teams from Japan, Hong Kong, and ailand during the quali cation rounds. ey made it to the elimination rounds, winning their rst match in the quarter nals. Students had one day to spend exploring Tokyo, riding subway trains, eating sushi, shopping, and visiting historic districts and the famous Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Kyu-Goryo-Tei (Taiwan Pavilion). Talk about a whirlwind trip!
CELEBRATING MILESTONES:
TRADITIONS AT COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES
Graduation ceremonies hold a special place in the hearts of students, parents, and educators alike. They symbolize the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and achievement. At Community School of Naples, the journey of graduation begins in the early years and reaches its grand finale in the Upper School. The cherished traditions of our Kindergarten
Continuation Ceremony, Grade 5 Stepping Up Ceremony, and Grade 8 Commencement pave the way for the ultimate celebration of the CSN Upper School Graduation.
In the vibrant world of Kindergarten, the Continuation Ceremony signifies an important transition from the early years of education to the more structured primary grades. This is a joyful tradition, complete with student performances, Head of School and faculty speeches, the conferring of certificates, and a sense of accomplishment. The young “graduates” don their miniature caps and gowns, a symbol of their readiness to take the next steps in their academic journey. It is a time when parents, teachers, and friends come together to cheer on these bright and eager learners, celebrating their growth and potential.
As students progress to Grade 5, they find themselves at the cusp of middle school. The Grade 5 Stepping Up Ceremony at Community School of Naples acknowledges our students’ development and signifies the transition from Lower School to Middle School. This event carries a touch of nostalgia and pride as students bid farewell to their Lower School years and embrace new challenges. The ceremony is typically marked by heartfelt speeches, slideshows, and the presentation of certificates. It is a moment that celebrates students accomplishments while inspiring them to embrace the opportunities that await in Middle School.
Grade 8 Commencement holds immense significance as it marks the culmination of Middle School and prepares students for the transition to Upper School. CSN holds a memorable ceremony for its Grade 8 graduates, honoring their growth, resilience, and academic achievements. The event is a blend of reflection, anticipation, and gratitude. Students receive their diplomas, showcasing their readiness to embark on the next phase of their educational journey. The Grade 8 Commencement Ceremony encourages students to recognize their
accomplishments while fostering a sense of unity and shared memories with their classmates.
The pinnacle of graduation traditions at Community School of Naples is the Upper School graduation. This event represents the final chapter of a student's journey at the school, celebrating their transformation to young adults ready to embark on the challenges of higher education and beyond. The Upper School graduation is a grand affair, held at Artis Naples and attended by students, families, faculty, and the wider community. It is a moment of immense pride for both the graduates and the School.
This year's Upper School graduation holds particular significance as it paid homage to 14 seniors who have been a part of the school community since their earliest days. These "lifers" have attended Community School of Naples throughout their entire educational journey, creating an inseparable bond with their alma mater. The graduation ceremony becomes a tribute to their enduring commitment, as they prepare to leave their beloved campus and embark on new adventures. Their stories of growth and accomplishment inspire the entire school community and remind us of the nurturing environment that has shaped their lives.
Whether a student is a lifer or joined the CSN community during the Lower, Middle, or Upper School years, our beautiful campus is a second home to our students. It is a place where friendships are formed, talents are nurtured, and dreams are realized. The campus serves as a hub for academic and extracurricular activities, fostering an environment where students can truly thrive.
CSN CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2023
The Class of 2023 celebrates an impressive and diverse matriculation list, with 100% of graduates attending a four-year institution, 66% of which are rated as Most or Highly Competitive in Admissions by Barron’s.
CAMPUS CONNECTIONS
EARTH DAY
CSN Earth Day workshops, 30-minute modules meant to grow student knowledge of and discussion of SWFL and planet Earth, proved successful for a third year. The MS workshop model is highly effective and student-endorsed (2023 survey data). The 40+ workshops were offered by CSN teachers, US students, and SWFL community members.
7TH GRADE KNIGHTING CEREMONY
CSN 7th graders were knighted by Good King David and Queen Colleen before their peers and parents in a celebration of achievement marking the academic success and notable effort of each student in history class.
Students knelt before their king, carrying medieval shields crafted to reflect their ideals. A small part of each student’s Squire’s Challenge was to read aloud a testament to their efforts reflecting CSN character values in order to earn their knighthood by performing selfless tasks, hoping to make the world a better place. Several students offered musical performances to entertain the King, Queen and guests. Queen Colleen awarded the Order of the Wolf to Reilly Kirwin, Jolie Mansson, and Charlotte Siepierski, recognizing their efforts as outstanding knights
WORDMASTERS FASHION SHOW
US students in electives 3D Printing & Entrepreneurship and App Development & Entrepreneurship participated in CSN Shark Tank 2023.
The Shark judges were impressed by their innovative ideas and solutions addressing real-world problems. The top products in each class included Anti School Store app for online snack purchasing pitched by James Gavin ’26 and Noah Mansson’ 26; Aqua Pulita portable water filtration device pitched by Miquel Augustine ‘26, Jackson Hewitt ’25 and Isaac Lyon ’26; Gator Spikes transferable multi-sport athletic cleats pitched by Gabe Alsokary ’26, Cameron Brenner ’26, and Jonah Miller ’26; and Lolly edible organic lollipop stick with biodegradable wrapper pitched by Ryan Kastroll ’25 and Ruby Smith ’26. All student presentations included detailed investment requests and product prototypes. Special thanks to the judges: guest entrepreneur Mr. Mark Dines, and parents Mr. Robert Gesdorf, Mr. Alan Weddell, and Mr. Kevin Yue.
Third and fourth grade students worked diligently to prepare for their final WordMasters Challenge™.This is a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 125,000 students annually, which takes place three times a year. Excellence in the competition requires both a mastery of the meanings of the vocabulary words and thoughtful reasoning about the relationships between these words and more familiar language used in the competition’s analogies. To effectively prepare for the final challenge, 3rd graders took part in a treasured LS tradition, the CSN WordMasters Challenge Parade. The students dressed up as an assigned vocabulary word, paraded around the LS, and presented their word assignment in front of classmates and teachers.
4th graders participated in the annual WordMasters Fashion Show, which is modeled after the TV show “Project Runway.” Led by our emcee and former science teacher, Ms. Debi Backes, students dressed up in costumes they created that personified a WordMasters word. In addition, students were required to write a script that explained the meaning of their word in a creative manner. The fashion show was a great way for students to review the meanings of their WordMasters words before they took their final challenge for the year. We look forward to seeing ho w our amazing students perform!
CSN "SHARK TANK"
GREAT MEN, GREAT IMPACT
Jerry Berry- was not just a parent to two CSN alumni; he was also a partner in the continued development of our campus, our programs, and our students. For decades, Jerry contributed to the school in every way he knew how. As a prolific defense attorney, he lent his time and expertise to our community almost annually. For many years, just prior to Prom Night, Jerry volunteered to speak to the entire Upper School about the nuances and consequences of drunk driving. However, even the most serious of topics was approached with his trademark sense of humor, always leaving students both informed and amused. In fact, many alumni have since attested that they went on to become attorneys because of his influence.
Without Jerry, CSN’s campus as we know it may have been irrevocably different. As a member of the athletic advisory committee, he helped shape important policies and gave crucial input on the planning of sports facilities like the beloved Moe Kent Family Field House. Much of his impact
Jim Ebert -
can never truly be measured, as he was a lifelong behindthe-scenes ambassador for the School and its students.
Still, Jerry’s main contribution to the school will always be his children. His daughter Taylor ‘05 and son Casey ’05, were key members of the CSN community. While Taylor went on to graduate Wake Forest and later Georgetown, Casey built on his impressive basketball career as a Seahawk to become a starting player at The University of the South. Jerry is also survived by his loving wife Cathy, another warm, frequent presence on campus throughout the years. Beyond CSN, Jerry’s good work permeated our larger communities too. As a cherished Naples resident, he established a competitive youth traveling basketball team, received countless awards for his legal accomplishments, and even served as Board Chair for the Innocence Project of Florida, advocating for the freedom of the wrongfully imprisoned. He also taught DUI Law courses at the Ave Maria School of Law and passed on his wisdom by mentoring local up-and-coming attorneys.
Following a battle with cancer, Jerry passed at the age of 68. To honor him, please consider donating to the Innocence Project of Florida.
For 26 years, Jim Ebert was a constant presence in the lives of our youngest Seahawks, bringing his warmth and knowledge to the Lower and Intermediate Schools. First serving as a math teacher for over a decade, he took visible joy in classroom life and the enrichment of his students. Always eager to maximize his impact, Jim became the Lower School Head in 2001.
Only a few short years later, he spearheaded the creation of another division, the Intermediate School, and took over the guidance of CSN’s fourth and fifth graders. Even as an administrator, Jim never forgot the power of individual impact, and his warmth was felt at events, in his office, and even in hallway passings. Jim took his much-deserved retirement in 2012, dedicating his time to what he loved deeply, his family and world travel. Having taught in Saudi Arabia earlier in his career, Jim’s appreciation of other cultures was a continued affair.
However, his heart was always, above all else, with his family. His daughter Alison ’06 was an intrinsic part of CSN, and later graduated from Eckerd College. Her mother Marie Ebert also had a long, meaningful career in the Middle School teaching both history and English. The Ebert family was a staple of CSN, and had tremendous impact on the student body, their friends, and beloved colleagues.
Jim is survived not only by Marie and Alison but also his son James, his daughter Amy, and six grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Jim passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 79. To honor him, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
ONE NIGHT IMPACTING MANY LIVES
Onthe warm spring evening of April 15, close to 300 guests gathered in luxury tents set up on campus to support CSN’s Financial Aid Program. The event was originally planned to take place in November at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, but Hurricane Ian forced some quick thinking on the part of Angel Ball Chairs Charley and Kristie Hale. This year’s theme, ONE: One Night – One Community – One Purpose, would not be compromised. Since 1984, the purpose of CSN’s Angel Ball has been to raise funds to help families of modest means send their children to one of the top independent schools in Florida where they can learn, succeed and thrive. Thanks in part to this year’s Angel Ball, Community School of Naples will allocate over 12% of next year’s budget, about $3.5 million, to financial aid for deserving students who would otherwise not be able to afford the tuition.
SCAN TO WATCH THE ANGEL BALL ONE VIDEO
GRANDPARENTS
After breakfast, our grandparents and special friends explored our beautiful campus and engaged in hands-on activities, such as art projects, science experiments, and music performances. These activities allowed the grandparents to connect with their grandchildren on a deeper level and to experience the excitement and energy of our school community. It was heartwarming to see the joy and pride on the faces of both the grandparents and the students as they worked together on class assignments and projects. and S P
On March 10, 2023, CSN welcomed grandparents and special friends of our students to campus for a day of fun, learning, and connection. The celebration of family and community began with a warm welcome from Dr. Watson, who expressed his gratitude for the important role that grandparents play in the lives of our students. The guests enjoyed the musical talent from students of all ages as they enjoyed a delightful spread of delicious foods and beverages.
Overall, Grandparents Day was a huge success. It was a joyous celebration of family and community, and it provided a valuable opportunity for our students to share their school experience with their loved ones. We look forward to welcoming our grandparents and special friends back to campus next year for another unforgettable day of learning and connection.
PERFORMING ARTS
CSN Theater students performed in the spring musical: Working. Based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), the show discerns the hopes, dreams, joys and concerns of the average working American.
This semester CSN senior Yutong (Alan) Yu has been working as an intern with CSN’s resident professional theatre company, TheatreZone. Alan has been working alongside professional staff and designers and has worked as a Production Assistant, Costume Assistant, House Manager, Spotlight Operator and Office Assistant. Beside the knowledge and experience that Alan has gained he has proven to be extremely valuable to TheatreZone. Congratulations Alan!
Kevin Mauldin, Principal Bassist in the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, visited the CSN Upper School Orchestra on Thursday for a masterclass. He played excerpts from Symphonic works that showcased his virtuosity and musicianship and talked about his amazing career in music. Students asked questions about his process and career and got a chance to see a world class virtuoso musician talk about the things that both excite and challenge him in music. The Band and Orchestra students have hosted several guest speakers this year including Steve Kortyka (Lady Gaga), Brad Goode (University of Colorado Boulder), Russ Nyberg (National Broadway Tour of Aladdin), Michael Suman (Suman Entertainment Group) and Summer Carmargo (Saturday Night Live) .
Congratulations to the Upper School Concert Jazz Band on the release of their 2023 virtual recording project. This performance features solos by Bianca Trope, Mia Solimine, and special guest Lee Thornburg. Mr. Thornburg is a Los Angeles studio musician, with thousands of tracks to his credit, and a former member of the well-known Funk R&B group Tower of Power. Each member of the band recorded their parts individually over a three week period at the end of the semester. Students not only learn about the recording process, but how they can be better musicians. There are several interviews at the end of the video with students reflecting on their experience. A few band and orchestra students have even begun to engineer recording sessions for the Tri-M virtual project. Bravo to these great Upper School musicians!
CHECK IT OUT HERE
"CSN theater seniors"
FINE ARTS
Congratulations to the following student-artists for having their works entered into the 14th Annual Student Exhibition at Artis—Naples.
Céleste Gordon ‘35 – Water Lilies Inspired by Claude Monet
Boston Clark ‘34 – Figure Drawing Inspired by William H. Johnson
Sebastian Hatfield ‘34 – Abstract Art Inspired by Wassily Kandinsky
Madison Luckman ‘33 – Mixed Media Composition Inspired by Lois Mailou Jones
Juliet Lubert ’32 – Hope
Hugh Schulman ‘31 – Motorcycle
Lillian Hughes ’30 – Stem of Music
Makayla Selvidio ’30 – Rusty
Angeline Aguilera ’29 – Still Life Study
Jolie Mansson ’28 – Still Life Study 2
Sloane Atterbury ’27 – A Quiet Place
Sienna Hartman ’27 – Value Study with Hart
Schyler Scott ’27 – The Eye
Emma Siek ’27 – Sieking the Dragon
MJ Solomon ’27 – Family Ties
Hadley Tarrasch ’27 – Protection
Nina Granath ’24 – Untitled
Alessandra Sanchez ’24 – Lilac-Breasted Roller
Angel Jimenez ’23 – Untitled
Seraphina Schmieding ’23 – Fleur de Printemps
SPRING SPORTS
Softball
All Area Honorable Mention:
Gracyn Crosby, Lily Campbell, Amanda Renteria
Lacrosse
Boys Lacrosse Advanced to Regional Finals
Boys All American Lacrosse Players: Ramsey Huggins, Alejandro Gurdian
Boys All Area Lacrosse Players: Charlie Youngs, Ryan Castroll, Alejandro Gurdian, Chase Atterbury, Isaac Lyon, Ramsey Huggins, Luke Haggerty
Girls Lacrosse Advanced to Regional Finals
Girls All Americans Lacrosse Player: Tatum Kocaj, Nikki Ferrante (Academic All-American)
Girls All Area Lacrosse Players: Ruby Smith, Jillian Daley, Nikki Ferante, Tatum Kocaj
Tennis
2023 Girls District Champions
2023 Girls Regional Champions
Girls State Doubles Champions: Lily Dounchis and Sophia Min
2023 Boys District Champions
Track and Field
Boys Track & Field Placed 3rd in District Tournament. The Track & Field team had 13 athletes qualify to attend the state meet.
Soccer
Boys Soccer District Champions
Baseball
CSN Baseball team advanced to the Regional round of the State Series Championship
Chase Atterbury (Amherst College - football) Coach Selvidio said, “Chase is one of the most well rounded football players that I have ever coached…He is a relentless student, servant to his community, and dedicated teammate…Chase has earned his credentials and he’s earned the right to attend one of the very best colleges in the world.”
Darius Beauvoir (U Penn, Wharton School of Business - football) Again from Coach Selvidio: “Darius’ personal success goes far beyond just football. He is an extremely gifted student, one of the most respected, well-spoken, and mature students and classmates in the Class of 2023. He’s a track star and a talented basketball player. There are too many reasons to count why so many of the best schools in the world wanted Darius to be a part of their program.”
Kiara Cabrera (Lincoln University - basketball) Coach Crosby said, “Kiara played Varsity for CSN for five years and scored 1,147 career points. She led CSN to a District title and Regional final in 2021, and served as team captain for the 2022-23 team.”
Michael Mario D’ Angelo-Ternent (Carthage College - football) From Coach Selvidio: “His unselfish demeanor and tenacious play is exactly what is expected from a CSN football player…I trusted that he would be a part of something special – after his freshmen season Michael helped lead our program to back-to-back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in school history.”
Lily Dounchis (Amherst College - tennis) Coach Norman said, “She leads by example, dedicating herself to always getting better, and competing intensely…I got a feeling for her competitiveness watching her win the individual state championship last year. Down several match points against a very tricky opponent, she stayed calm, elevated her game, and won the match and the State Championship.”
Ramsey Huggins (Dickinson - lacrosse) From Coach Lee: “He has great hands around the goal, and his LAX IQ is extremely high…He is a natural leader, and because of this has been named team captain his junior and senior years…Even though Ramsey was only at CSN for a few years, he has left his mark on our school, not only as a student-athlete but more importantly as a community member…On top of all of this, he maintains a 3.9 GPA.”
Grayson Kerscher (Denison - football) Coach Selvidio said, “Grayson is a tireless worker. He would never give up, give in, or disappoint. Grayson ultimately developed an elite level football IQ too, coupled with great instincts and anticipation, by his senior year he was a coach on the field…Leading by example, Grayson proved to be, without a doubt, the 2022 Most Valuable Player on our team.”
Sophia Min (M.I.T. - tennis) From Coach Norman: “She was a finalist in the State Doubles Championship, and watching her and Lily compete in the finals embodies the competitive instinct, teamwork, and fighting spirit that Sophia has…As I came over to debrief on her match, I saw a notebook in front of her, and saw math equations in it that I hadn't seen since my senior year in college. That was a great example of multitasking, which every student-athlete needs to master in their college years.
Mackenzie Newhall (Kalamazoo College - lacrosse) Coach Tillotson said, “She has been on Varsity since she was in 8th grade...she immediately made an impact, winning the team's MVP while still in middle school. She continued to be the backbone of the team, with the flexibility and skills to play nearly all positions, and she did so without any fuss and with a smile on her face."
Alexis Purdy (Purdue-Fort Wayne - soccer) From Coach Jenna: “Alexis not only has natural talent and intelligence, but her character is that of a tireless worker, giving her absolute all in everything she does. Her drive becomes contagious and is a motivating factor for most she encounters, particularly her teammates/classmates.”
Emma Smith (Franklin & Marshall - lacrosse) Coach Queener said, “She is a two-time captain, All-District, All-Region, and 2022 All-American. She has scored more than 100 goals in less than three seasons.”
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
PAIGE MILES (’04)—returned to the CSN stage where it all began for her. Paige appeared as Mrs. Crosby in TheatreZone’s production of The Goodbye Girl. Paige is an American Idol finalist and a Community School of Naples alumna. She has appeared in TheatreZone’s productions of Beehive, Whistle Down The Wind, and Home For The Holidays, and is beyond happy to be returning to the TZ stage. Since the day she started singing in church at the age of five, Paige’s love for performing grew as she took part in various singing and theatrical events, landing lead roles in major musicals and Broadway reviews. In the Summer of 2009, Paige decided to go for her dreams and auditioned for American Idol. She made it through to the Top 24 and secured herself a spot in the coveted Top 12. As a result, she performed with Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, and Alice Cooper, and landed guest appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Ellen Show, Today Show, Good Day LA and Good Day NY. Her hometown of Naples, FL also hosted Paige Miles Day on May 29, 2010, where she was honored by the mayor and given a key to the city.
BRUCE NAKFOOR (’17)—received the Burke Award at Notre Dame for the top pre-med student in the College of Arts and Letters and has a full tuition academic scholarship at the University of Michigan Medical School.
SOFIA NAKFOOR (’19)—is a senior Notre Dame and semifinalist for a Fulbright scholarship.
CECELIA NAKFOOR ( ’21)—received the Detur Book Prize for being first in her class at Harvard.
LANA LOVE —Former CSN student and recent contestant on THE VOICE, Lana Love was picked by Grammy Award winning recording artist John Legend and visited Mark Danni's Advanced Topics in Theatre class. Lana took questions and provided a wealth of information about the theater, film, television and music in both New York and Los Angeles.
ZACH ROCHETTE (’17)—has recently embarked on an exciting endeavor by opening a state-of-the-art fitness studio in Naples. Building upon his passion for fitness and dedication to helping others achieve their health goals, Zach's studio promises to provide a welcoming and empowering environment for individuals seeking to enhance their physical well-being.
Zach's commitment to his community was evident as he conducted invigorating mobility training sessions during CSN's Family Fitness 5k post hurricane Ian. His presence and expertise greatly enriched the event.
CAMPUS ALUMNI SIGHTINGS:
CSN GRADUATES RETURNED TO CAMPUS TO SUPPORT THEIR ALMA MATER AT THE 2023 ANGEL BALL.
WESTON AT LAX GAME
Berkeley Shoemaker (Smith) recently attended the Varsity Boys lacrosse game with her PreK 3 son, creating a heartwarming connection between generations. As she watched the game, Berkely's son was captivated by the intensity and skill displayed on the field, igniting a passion for lacrosse at a young age.
Filled with excitement and enthusiasm, Berkely's son is already envisioning himself as a future Seahawk athlete, eagerly anticipating the day when he can step onto the field and become part of the proud legacy of our school's lacrosse team. Berkely's presence at the game showcased the strong bond between alumni and their continued involvement in supporting our school's athletic traditions, fostering a sense of pride and aspiration in the younger generations.
Kate Norkeliunas ‘12, Vivienne Grimes ‘12 , and Vanessa Beretta ‘10
ZACH ROCHETTE AT FAMILY FITNESS 5K
August 15 – Student Orientation
August 16 – First Day of School
August 19 – All Parent Reception
September 4 – No School
September 25 – No School